Who Will Be Our Next Featured Multi-Tasking Mom?

TCC @ The Campbell Corner is our very first Featured Multi-Tasking Mom! Congratulations TCC! Which one of you wonderful women want to be next month's pick and receive an Orderly Mom Notebook?

The Orderly Mom Notebook was designed by Tiany @ More of Him~Less of Me! This is a wonderful product has everything you need to organize youreslf!!!


Now to enter, all you need to so is:

1. Leave us a comment to enter.

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Can't wait to hear from you:)

Mommy Moment ~ On Assignment from God

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

~Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV)

As mothers, we have countless, daily opportunities to plant God’s Truth and Love in the hearts and souls of our children. God desires for us to cherish the little (and big) hearts of our children, as a gift from Him. As my children have grown from infants, I have taken this scripture verse to my heart and prayerfully asked God to give me a passion for keeping my children’s hearts. In my quiet times with Him, I have been led in discovering what Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands us to do. The first thing I discovered was my own need for daily time in God’s Word. Prior to this, I routinely attempted to handle each day in my own strength. I often sent “prayer arrows” up to God asking for help, but I was not faithful in seeking God’s wisdom for each day. Giving my early morning time to the Lord gives me the guidance and strength I need to reflect the attributes of the Lord, disciple my children’s hearts and train them in the way they should go. Another foundation in my life to apply this scripture has been through prayer. Having three young children has me on my knees and seeking God’s guidance in all areas of life. It is during these moments of prayer that I cast my concerns, frustrations, prayer needs and desires to the Lord. I strive to humble my heart and confess any sin in my own walk so that I may intercede on behalf of my child. I ask God to touch my child’s heart and reveal Himself to them in a personal way. I also pray for their spiritual development, for future Christian spouses, for God’s will in their life and anything else the Lord lays on my heart. I can honestly say that when I am daily praying for my children, I see a marked difference in their heart attitude as compared to days I do not pray. God shows me in marvelous ways that He does hear and answer my prayers! We might not know this side of Heaven how our prayers have influenced the lives of our children, but we can be confident that God is working in and through them!

So, how did I learn to apply Deuteronomy 6:6-7 in our daily life? God showed me that He wanted me to reflect His joy, love and affection as I trained my children. For me, this meant enjoying them as the treasures that they are. They are unique people whom I love to spend my days with. I laugh at their funny antics, show genuine joy with their presence in my life and lend kindness in my words and by my actions. I share with my children the majesty of God as we discover the beauty all around us. My husband and I strive to train them in God’s commandments through family devotions and Bible readings. They have plenty of opportunities to practice loving others first. They learn obedience in the home, which will mature to obedience in the Lord. Most importantly, I believe that my children will see our passionate love for God and will embrace His love for them as well.

As I was cleaning my young son’s room yesterday, I found a beautifully detailed coloring page that he created. I was moved to tears as I realized the picture was of him, holding a kite on a beautiful sunny day. Written on his kite was the name, “Jesus.” My heart rejoiced and praised the Lord for this Mommy Moment. It was a much needed glimpse of how God is working in the hearts of my precious children, May you be inspired today as you live out your own assignment from God ~ the job is not easy, but we can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength we need (Philippians 4:13).

Recipe Roundup: Winner and Lunchtime Fun

We Have A Winner!

Jason and Caryn, come on down! You are the winner of a beautiful hand-crafted apron, sponsored by Practically Necessary. Please e-mail your contact information to MultiTaskingMoms@gmail.com.

Thanks to everyone who entered, and keep checking back for more giveaways.

Now, on to the Recipe Roundup for this week. This Roundup of delicious lunchtime ideas was written by Leigh Ann. Enjoy!

Oh! Happy Labor Day, everyone!

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Recipe Roundup

Tired of the same old sandwich? Here are five ideas from the Kraft Foods Food & Family e-mail newsletter. Pack them in your child's lunchbox, eat them at home, or pack up lunch and your children and head to the park (or under a shady tree in the back yard!). If you aren't receiving this fun newsletter, click here to sign up!



1 TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Flour Tortilla
1 Tbsp. PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread
2 Tbsp. TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick 'N Chunky Salsa
3 slices OSCAR MAYER Shaved Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
2 Tbsp. KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2 lettuce leaves

SPREAD tortilla with cream cheese spread, then salsa.
TOP with turkey, cheese and lettuce. Roll up tightly. Wrap in plastic wrap.

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1 pita bread (5 to 6 inch)
1/2 cup torn lettuce
2 slices OSCAR MAYER Smoked Ham
2 slices OSCAR MAYER Smoked Turkey Breast
2 thin tomato slices
1 Tbsp. KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Tbsp. KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing

CUT edge from top of pita; fill with lettuce, meats, tomatoes and cheese.
DRIZZLE with dressing; wrap in plastic wrap.
REFRIGERATE until ready to serve.

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1/4 cup drained, canned white tuna in water, flaked
1/4 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Tbsp. KRAFT Mayo Real Mayonnaise
2 slices whole wheat bread
MIX tuna, cheese and mayo.

SPREAD onto 1 of the bread slices.
COVER with remaining bread slice.

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2 slices whole wheat bread
1 Tbsp. MIRACLE WHIP Dressing
1 slice OSCAR MAYER Beef Bologna
1 KRAFT Singles

SPREAD 1 bread slice with dressing. Top with bologna, Singles and second bread slice.
CUT sandwich into desired shape, using a 2- to 3-inch cookie cutter. Use a small knife to cut the sandwich trimmings into assorted shapes for the remaining "puzzle pieces." Wrap in plastic wrap.


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2 slices whole wheat bread
1 Tbsp. mayo or miracle whip
1 slice beef bologna
1 slice cheese

SPREAD 1 bread slice with dressing. Top with bologna, cheese and second bread slice.
CUT sandwich into desired shape, using a 2- to 3-inch cookie cutter. Use a small knife to cut the sandwich trimmings into assorted shapes for the remaining "puzzle pieces." Wrap in plastic wrap.


Now it's your turn. How do you make lunchtime fun for your children? Whether it be packing lunches for school, when having friends over, or for when it is you and your kids? Use Mr. Linky to post to your favorite homemade lunch, or leave a comment below.

The whole piece

In church on Sunday my aunt handed my son a stick of gum. "One for daddy too?" he asked. And she handed him a second one for his daddy.

While his daddy was in the choir singing, my son held that piece of gum. First it was in the wrapper, fresh and new, a perfect gift for his daddy. Later, when I looked at him, he was slowly unwrapping it, peeking inside. Pretty soon the whole wrapper was off and my son was liking the piece of gum. By the time his daddy came down from the choir, my son handed him a tiny piece of the gum and the rest was gone.

You might say that was too much temptation for one little boy. He was responsible for such a big piece of gum, and while I'm sure his daddy wouldn't have minded halving it with him, I doubt he cared for the pea-sized portion he ended up with.

Sometimes my days are like that fresh piece of gum. I know that the first thing I should do each day is share it with my Father. But I want to sleep just a little bit longer, or I get a phone call, then the kids need me. Books, television, the computer, they all get my time before I get a chance to pray, and all He's left with is the tiny pea-sized portion of my time right before I fall asleep at night.

How would my life be different if I put God first? It is my prayer this year that I will desire Him most of all.

"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:21

Get Your Body in Motion!

With school days in full strength we know the fall is coming soon! Our thoughts begin to turn towards removing the summer clothes from our closets and replacing them with the comforts of fall. Long sleeves and pants are the armor of the day. Good bye shorts and tanks, hello winter breezes. Many tend to let their health and/or exercise regimens fall to the side. The smell of baking is in the air, candy begins to fill our pantries in hopes for trick or treaters. Is that a turkey headed towards the oven? Ahem.. I digress! :)

We should be health conscious all year long. But what fun is that? We are approaching the time of year that the weather is a pure delight! But do not blink - it will be oh so cold before you know it. Why not rent a Space Walk for a day and jump away with your kids? Or go out with the kids to jump on that trampoline? Talk about family fun! You would be surprised at the aches you would feel after such a family fun time. Not to mention - bonds forged.

Ok, does that not work for you? Do you have the latest and greatest Wii game?? I have heard raves about how this game gets you up and moving. I am not a 'gamer' but I must admit, this is on my Christmas wish list! Or dance around with your child to some upbeat music. Try doing that for 10 minutes without a break! (I did this yesterday and, I must admit, my calves are throbbing. So you may want to stretch first.) Keep it fun!! The more fun, the better! If you include your child AND keep it fun, you are changing your life and theirs.

I was watching a re-run of Oprah last week and the guest was Dr. Oz. I love Dr. Oz! He just seems so logical and easy going! He was sharing a recent statistic. 1 of every 2 women will die of heart disease. 1 out of 2 women will die of heart disease! It is the number one killer of women.

Our diets matter, our intake of water matters, our exercise matters, our health matters, WE matter! Little changes do make a difference. You do not have to starve yourself to death or avoid every single food on the no-no list. Pick one thing and change it! Did you know getting your heart rate up 90 minutes per week will help your heart??? 90 minutes per week! That is nothing! We can all do that! We just need a buddy. Someone who will push us and get us up and moving. If we can make an effective change in our lives, we will change the next generation. Our daughters will become accustomed to an active lifestyle and may have less health scares than we do today.

As I was getting my morning tea, my mornings start with sweet iced tea. Not coffee! I know - the horror (My day used to begin with an iced cold Coca Cola! heehee). Anyway, as I was drinking my TEA, and thinking about this post, I thought - "It's not like this tea is going to kill me or anything." I do not know how to tell you what happened next. It was weird. I thought, I've heard that phrase somewhere before, and then I had the worst feeling!' YIKES, I felt unsettled in my spirit. Does it sound familiar to you? {"You will not surely die." said the Serpant.} Genesis 3:4. It may not kill me on the spot, but what is it doing to my quality of life today? What is it doing to my quality of life in 10 years? I realized that I can be like Eve, and throw caution to the wind, or I can take the little warnings I'm given and step into LIFE. We are accountable for our choices! This God Moment reminded me that there ARE consequences to our choices ladies!! Whether we like it or not.

Drink water - ok I'm guilty of filling my tank with sugary substances and carbonated beverages! Lets drink water!! Good ole H2O! I know it doesn't have that kick we need, but we can add a squeeze of lemon or lime and retrain our taste buds. Take baby steps but, like a baby, keep making new progress. Don't get stuck!! What if we all joined together, as a chord, that we could lean on during a weak time? Let's throw out the scale, rip the size tags out of our clothes and take one thing at a time! Let's get that heart rate up 90 minutes a week, for now, and celebrate that victory. Let's start with 32 ounces of water a day for a week and then increase it! We can all be honest here. None of us have arrived!

Let's beat this heart disease statistic! Let's link arms and accomplish these 2 small goals - 32 ounces of water a day for the next week and increase our heart rate (ie walk, jog, jump in a Space Walk, dance) for 90 minutes this week. Are you game? I know I am! I want to pass on a legacy of healthy choices and not health defying ones. Will you join me?? Can you drink 32 ounces of water EVERY DAY (7 days) this week? Will you get that heart rate up for 90 minutes this week, if so, sign Mr. Linky and share how you keep your workouts fun? I will post my accomplishments in 7 days and I ask you to do the same!

Controlling the Chaos in the Grocery Aisle

I was planning to post something else, but after reading WeaverMom's entry yesterday, I had to back her up! I have to agree 100%, having a meal plan is a HUGE time saver in our household too, but right now I can only handle one week at a time--I am striving to be as organized as WeaverMom and be able to have a 6-week menu. I just started to rotate them around since I've made my Handy Dandy Grocery List.

This has been another extremely helpful time saver for me. I look at my weekly menu , which look something like this

Then I grab my shopping list and start marking what I need for that week. (I keep a copy of it and save it for the next time I use this weekly menu, keeps me from having to do it all over again.)

After that, I fill in the rest of the necessities we need and VOILA! When Saturday comes I get just what I need...it's fast and easy! (Fortunately we have another refrigerator in the garage, which really helps me to do a one-day-a-week shopping.)

So that is one way I control the chaos in our house, how about you?





PS~ don't forget to enter our Recipe Roundup!

Meal Planning - go for it!

What is your best time-saving tip?



Ah, this is an easy one - Meal plans! They save time on grocery store trips, and the nightly angst of "what's for dinner?" A meal plan seems so much harder and time-consuming than it actually is. It is a small investment for the amount of time you save.

I have a confession - I really hate going to the grocery store! What a waste of time! :) When WeaverDad and I first married and I was working full-time, the last thing I wanted to do at the end of a workday was go to the grocery store, walk around the entire store in uncomfortable "nice" shoes, stand in line with all the other people shopping for dinner, get home at 7:00 and THEN start cooking dinner. (I ate a lot of cereal when I was single. *wink*) And now that I'm staying home with the kids, I get to wear comfortable shoes and I can go to the store when I want to which helps, BUT, I get to bring the kids with me! Enough said, right?

I've done meal plans for 11 years now. As I write that, that freaks me out a little bit - but it's true. My husband can taste if meat has been frozen (I know!) so I shop by the week so that I can serve fresh meat as much as possible. I've done it several different ways. When we were first married, we ate out quite a bit, so I only planned 4 days a week. Then, 5. We moved to a place a little more remote and going out wasn't as easy, so I planned 6. Punkin arrived and we never went out, so I upped it to 7. Hubby was laid off, and I planned very carefully for awhile, checking the sales flyers and doing some bulk buying.

When SnugBug arrived, I found that I procrastinated going to the store because it felt like so much effort to plan the meals. So, I continued shopping by the week - but I planned for a month at a time. My original system was that I cut cardstock into 2x2 squares. I went through our recipes and wrote the names on the cards. Then I could lay them out on the table and arrange them as needed. I included cards that said "open", "new", and "out". After I arranged things for the month, I would transfer the names to a calendar page, and then when it came time to do my grocery list, I knew what to shop for! This worked well for me and I did that for almost 2 years.

Then, we started homeschooling and I started my business, and finding time to do the monthly meal plan became difficult. So, I came up with a 6 week meal plan. It's based loosely on this formula:

1 mexican
1 italian
1 meat & potatoes
1 fish
1 veggie
1 slow cook (for activity night where we don't get home until after 6:00)
1 easy

I don't plan nights of eating out, but I sure don't miss out on them when they are offered (or when I can finagle them.) I just skip a meal from the next week's list when I'm making my grocery list, and include the missed meal the following week.

And, since I personally find it easier to modify someone else's ideas instead of starting from scratch - here is what it looks like:

Week 1
Crescent Picadillo Bundles
Spinach Lasagna
Meatloaf
Scallops & Rice
Veggie Night (example: spinach/ cornbread, pasta salad w/protein, corn)
Frozen slow-cook (straight from the freezer section)
Angel Hair Pasta with Tomato & Basil

Week 2
Fiesta Casserole
Spaghetti
Hamburger Steak
Salmon, rice & veggie
Antipasto Plate
Slow cook pork chops
Soup & Sandwiches

Week 3
Beef Tacos
Brunswick Stew
Chicken Marsala
Tilapia, broc
Chicken Pot Pie
Hot Dogs & Rice
Frozen slow-cook

Week 4
Chicken Tacos
Bow-Tie Lasagna
S&B BBQ pork chops
Chicken Squares
Beef & Noodle Casserole
Roast, veggies
Tortellini w/ alfredo sauce, salad

Week 5
Frito Soup
Spaghetti
Rotisserie chicken
New fish
Cheese Enchiladas
Frozen slow cook
Soup & Sandwiches

Week 6
Texas Hash
Pizza
Simple Marinated Chicken
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
New veggie
Frozen slow cook
Mexican Chicken Salad

I know some of you use meal plans. Please share what works for you!

Happy meal planning!